Hazmat Suits

Both are worn with SCBA. A Level A suit is vapor-tight and totally encapsulating, with a gas-tight zipper and exhaust valves, for vapor hazards or unknowns that threaten the skin. A Level B ensemble protects against liquid splash but is not vapor-tight. In Kappler's line, Zytron 500 and Frontline 500 vapor suits fill the Level A role, while Zytron 300 and 500 splash suits and hooded splash coveralls fill Level B.

The EPA defines four levels. Level A is a totally encapsulating, vapor-protective suit with SCBA, the highest skin and respiratory protection. Level B is SCBA with chemical splash protection. Level C is chemical-resistant clothing with an air-purifying respirator, used when the airborne hazard is known and measured. Level D is a standard work uniform with no respiratory protection, for nuisance-level exposure only.

NFPA 1990, 2022 edition, is the consolidated standard for hazardous materials and CBRN protective ensembles. It combined three earlier standards: NFPA 1991 for vapor-protective ensembles, NFPA 1992 for liquid splash-protective ensembles and NFPA 1994 for CBRN terrorism incident ensembles. Kappler part names show which part a garment is certified to, such as Frontline 500 (1991), Zytron 500 (1994) Class 2 and Zytron 300 (1992).

Yes. Level A suits such as the Kappler Zytron 500 and Frontline 500 vapor total encapsulating suits are sold through FarrWest, and public agencies can also buy through BuyBoard or PCA. A Level A suit is one part of an ensemble, so plan for SCBA, chemical-resistant gloves and boots, training, pressure-test equipment and proper storage.

A training suit lets crews practice in encapsulating gear while certified suits stay in service for incidents. Kappler's PVC training suits and Zytron 500 training suits have a large PVC visor, expanded back, attached PVC gloves and sock booties with splash guards, in front or rear entry. Crews use them to rehearse donning, doffing, communication, decon lines and work tasks.

The suit is sealed, its exhaust valves are blocked, and it is inflated to a set pressure, then watched for pressure loss over a timed period. A suit that holds pressure shows its fabric, seams, zipper and visor are still gas-tight. Kappler's Digital Pressure Test Kit supports ASTM and CE test methods with a digital readout. FarrWest's Service Program includes pressure testing for Level A suits.